The Berrygnash part 1
[In late 2008 Jane and Edward hosted Hitty Sassy on a trip to the Ozark Mountains seeking cryptids. Sassy kept a detailed journal and luckily for us, Jane transcribed it. Sometimes Sassy's handwriting can be a bit "curious," and I thank Jane and Edward very much for the time spent on the Journal, as well as the time and effort they expended photographing the expedition!]
The Haphazard Journal of My Journey to the Heart of Dixie and the Natural State in Search of Cryptids
by Hitty Sassy
Sunday, August 31 We Commence Traveling
The journey northwest was arduous but relaxing in the amiable company of the Wiregrass Hitties, and the Mad for the Farthing Crowd was a delight not to be missed. We had hoped to escape the oncoming hurricane Gustav as we journeyed, and indeed, were blessed by pleasant weather, however, we did meet a number other souls not as fortunate – folks encumbered by bag and baggage, hurrying northward to parts unknown.
We whiled away hours en route by listening to a rather ghastly novel “The Crocodile in the Sandbank”, full of flowery prose and florid descriptions. The heroine was inspiring however; Amelia Peabody – an intrepid explorer of ancient Egyptian ruins. One can only take heart at the thought of what she endured for the sake of science.
Monday, September 1 Morning in the Ozarks (The Boston Mountains)
I awoke to the rhythmic whir of multitudes of crickets. In the distance I could hear the baying of hounds – an incessant barking of clearly disturbed doggery. What had caused such uproar in the early morning? Had they perhaps caught the scent of the very creature which I had come in search of – the elusive Ozark Prowler? Were there perhaps other intriguing cryptids dwelling in and amongst the rocky outcroppings of the Boston Mountains? Beasts that had escaped the notice of most of the bustling outside world? These were the dubious treasures which I sought.
- Sassy greets the sun in the Ozarks
I rose and greeted the sun rising over the mountains and into the mauve clouds. It appeared to be a wonderful day in the making.
My expedition leaders took the Wiregrass Hitties and me out for a tour of the entire area to get a feel for the environment and to gauge what obstacles might need to be overcome in our search for the secrets of the Ozarks.
Tuesday, September 2 A Day of Gloomy Disappointment
The day dawned gray. The leaves on the large oak outside of my cabin had begun the Dance of Approaching Storm. After fleeing the Wiregrass to avoid a hurricane, here it was, in a thankfully reduced form, sliding its way into the Ozarks. This could bode no good for tracking the Ozark Prowler.
If this creature existed–if the creature had left any tracks, the rain would soon wash the evidence away. I proposed consulting with my expedition leaders and the Wiregrass Hitties. The consensus was that a day speaking with the local inhabitants in the comfy indoors might serve us well. We gathered ourselves together and went to meet our soon-to-be-friends.
- Sassy Visits the Carvers
…and fast friends we became. Such a gaggle of Grannies, Hitties, Totties and more! Chips flew as quickly as the bright conversation around the table. It was pleasure to be included in this company.
Wednesday, September 3 Rain, Rain – Go Away!
The storm had not abated upon awakening this morning – indeed; it had grown more ferocious; the rain pounding at the windows; the wind rushing between the cabins and over the rooftops. The modern electric lights flickered with every gust. I pondered resorting to the lantern supplied by the expedition leader. In all this, I wondered once more if we would encounter the Ozark Prowler or if the remnants of the hurricane would drive something more sinister from these rocky hills and secluded valleys.
Our meeting the day before had proved profitable. Cheerful and gracious Hittys live in these mountains and such a number of them! One such little joy was Hitty Nell. She promised to soon introduce me to Granny Lavender, the oldest inhabitant, and a wealth of knowledge regarding the legends of the Ozarks. I spent the rainy day organizing my thoughts and updating my journal, but my desire to explore the territory began to plague me–I longed to be out-of-doors.
- A Momentous Occasion–Sassy Meets Nell
Thursday, September 4 More Than Monsters
Nary a trace nor whispered word of the Ozark Prowler. I checked my notes on this cryptid once more. Was it perhaps a large mountain lion? This daunted me for some small moments – I being a little doll. Might I be forced to abandon the search?
The mists had risen in the overnight hours, forming phantoms that advanced and retreated with each puff of wind. Daddy Long-Legs played possum on the doorstep of our cabin – springing into the air like pop-up tents before daintily scurrying into the room. Strange persons took advantage of the murky vapors to cloak their nefarious activities. [Please refer to the diary of the expedition leaders for further information, or check my footnotes].
Friday Morning, September 5 We Travel to Granny’s Cabin
The morning revealed itself as a jewel and the anticipated visit with Granny Lavender only added to its luster. Hitty Nell arrived to escort me, clad in her stout Hitty boots and she bade me don mine also. The trek to the cabin was not perilous, she said, but best to protect one’s pegs and take sensible precautions. Nell suggested that Venerable Tottie be borne to Granny’s by a swifter mode of transportation, as Granny had a houseful of unruly young’ns and might need Tottie’s skills in corralling them. Hitty Hyacinth Paw-Paw begged to accompany us, so we agreed that she should be allowed. I did worry about her ability to keep up, encumbered as she was with her long skirts. I, myself am so appreciative of my exploring togs, suitable for any adventure and certainly stylish.
Nell led through the forest and along the paths well-worn by the Dollkind of the Ozarks. We scrambled over the beautiful rocks of the Boston Mountains and paused occasionally to enjoy the spectacular views. Nell had thoughtfully prepared a small repast which we enjoyed while seated around a dainty mushroom.
- Pausing For Refreshment
We were not the only ones to enjoy the mushroom.
- Dining In the Forest
A cricket joined Nell as she set the table, and dined upon our table itself!
Hitty Nell Enjoys the Company of a CRICKET!
We had our picture made at the Throne in the Forest, a local scenic wonder where grows a single violet in the Spring, bursting from a bed of moss set high in a tree.
Traditional Throne in the Forest
As we journeyed, I noticed a wiry bush with green berries. I inquired of Nell what they might be. “Why, they are farkle-berries!” she exclaimed. Farkle-berries – I took note of this. Poor Hitty Hyacinth Paw-Paw lagged behind, her dress catching on the low scrub along the path. She did not despair, however, and arrived at Granny Lavender’s cabin along with Nell and me, a trifle out-of-breath and sore of peg.
********************************To Be Continued*******************************